Meet the apprentices making waves in the world of surveying

As part of National Apprenticeships Week 2020, we spoke with four surveying apprentices making waves in the industry. The apprentices discuss how they began their journeys, the impact their apprenticeships have had upon them and what they love most about surveying.

What attracted you to surveying and why did you choose the apprenticeship route?

Rebecca Turner: I have always enjoyed maths at school and college, so I knew that I wanted to work with numbers. After looking into different industries, construction stood out for me because of the variety of opportunities available. I also liked the idea of being able to look at a completed project and know that I was a part of it. The apprenticeship allowed me to work and gain a degree at the same time. Working alongside the degree gave me the opportunity to gain experience, and the opportunity to put what I learnt into practice.

Max Andrews: I was attracted to surveying through work experience at Jones Lang LaSalle whilst studying for my A-Levels. The work experience was able to provide insight into the industry from different stages of the property lifestyle and I loved the fact that the work being completed was all around you and could be seen/touched, whether that be managing a property in the main business district to selling a local shopping centre investment.

I chose the apprenticeship route because there is no better way to learn than on the job. The apprenticeship provides so much opportunity and exposure to learn about real estate and the opportunity to advise real clients on real property issues.

Rebecca Humphrey: I am a Sport Science graduate and a former elite athlete. I retired from my swimming career in 2016 and was looking for the next challenge in my life. I’ve always had an interest in the built environment and initially considered a master’s degree to begin my career transition.

The opportunity to earn whilst learning on the job would allow me to maintain a work/study/life balance much easier as opposed to undertaking a master’s degree whilst potentially working in an unrelated role. Having been through the traditional university system, I know that my work experience has been very beneficial to my studies and professional development.

Max Andrews: I was attracted to surveying through work experience at Jones Lang LaSalle whilst studying for my A-Levels. The work experience was able to provide insight into the industry from different stages of the property lifestyle and I loved the fact that the work being completed was all around you and could be seen/touched, whether that be managing a property in the main business district to selling a local shopping centre investment.

I chose the apprenticeship route because there is no better way to learn than on the job. The apprenticeship provides so much opportunity and exposure to learn about real estate and the opportunity to advise real clients on real property issues.

Rebecca Humphrey: I am a Sport Science graduate and a former elite athlete. I retired from my swimming career in 2016 and was looking for the next challenge in my life. I’ve always had an interest in the built environment and initially considered a master’s degree to begin my career transition.

The opportunity to earn whilst learning on the job would allow me to maintain a work/study/life balance much easier as opposed to undertaking a master’s degree whilst potentially working in an unrelated role. Having been through the traditional university system, I know that my work experience has been very beneficial to my studies and professional development.

Bradley Szreider: I have always had an interest in construction; a career in surveying provided me with the opportunity to be involved in a range of interesting projects, whilst exploiting my strength with numbers. Whilst at sixth form, I felt the best pathway for me to learn was via an apprenticeship as it provided me with the opportunity to work and learn at the same time. From my experience I believe that you learn more on the job than you do in full-time education. Therefore, an apprenticeship provided me with the opportunity to learn on the job, whilst working towards an accredited degree and MRICS status.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

RH: Being part of a journey and seeing projects grow and develop is exciting, as each project comes with its own unique challenge of which I enjoy finding solutions. I have been involved in a variety of exciting and high-profile projects ranging from £100k to £80m, currently I am working on redeveloping Scunthorpe’s Civic Centre into a multi-purpose higher education facility, including healthcare and engineering teaching.

BS: Working on multiple interesting projects and developing professional relationships with different people on each project as I progress throughout my career. One project I am currently working on is the relocation of Moorfields Eye Hospital, University College London Institute for Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity to a preferred location of St Pancras. My involvement in this project has given me the experience to develop my technical skills such as using BIM (building information modelling).

MA: Without being cliché, it’s the fact that no day is the same. One day I can be conducting viewings and the next day I could be working in a team providing advice to one of the company’s top clients.

What impact has your role and journey had on you personally and professionally?

BS: In a relatively short time frame of 3 years, I have already started to notice the potential for career progression as a Quantity Surveyor, particularly within Gardiner & Theobald. This motivates me further to ensure I am maximising my potential, working to the best of my ability and promoting the profession when at networking events.

RT: When I first started the apprenticeship, I was very shy but being able to meet others in my position and having the support from those around me, my confidence has grown. The apprenticeship has also given me the opportunity to learn from specialists in the industry and meet a number of people in the profession. I have just completed my degree with First Class Honours from UCEM and am now working towards my professional qualification with the RICS.

RH: I have always been a hardworking and motivated individual with my eyes on the goal. Upon starting this apprenticeship, I knew there were several attributes I wanted to develop. My studies paired with the support from my colleagues allow me to be ready for the challenges that the property and construction industry might present me with. Even after just two and a half years on my apprenticeship programme, I have noticed that my confidence has grown exponentially.

MA: My career journey has positively impacted both my personal and professional life. Through my workplace and the RICS Matrics, I have been able to find a great collection of friends and business connections which will follow me throughout my career and beyond. I can honestly say, I have never been happier since starting my life as a surveyor!

Alex Esson is the Marketing & Communication Manager for Future Talent, Diversity & Inclusion at RICS

• FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SURVEYING APPRENTICESHIPS HERE
• FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RICS YOUNGER MEMBERSHIP – RICS MATRICS HERE